Thallium poisoning

Thallium is a rare metal on Earth. But cases of poisoning by it are not so rare. Thallium poisoning is severe and often fatal. In terms of toxicity, it can be compared with lead and arsenic; it is dangerous, like crystalline phenol. More toxic than mercury, which appears before thallium on the periodic table. You should get to know this dangerous metal better.

Thallium is a dangerous chemical element

What are its properties and characteristics?

The substance has a powdery consistency, white-silver in color. It is used extensively, especially as part of antidotes against rodents. Thallium salts, as well as thallium sulfate, are used to perform radiological examinations of the heart, as well as as a catalyst for fireworks and in the manufacture of optical lenses.

This chemical element is located in the third group of the periodic table and has a blue tint. It can be mono- or trivalent; the monovalent element is considered more toxic. In nature, it is present in small quantities and not concentrated, therefore it is extracted during the processing and extraction of salts of heavy metals (for example, from lead). Thallium compounds are practically insoluble in fatty and aqueous environments.

Thallium exists in the following states:

• Clerici solution;
• peroxides;
• oxides (thallium hydroxide, thallium oxide);
• halide salts (thallium nitrate, thallium chloride, thallium sulfate, iodide and bromide).

Thallium is used in various industries

This element is also found in the human body; its role has not yet been fully studied. Scientists suggest that it enters the body along with plant foods. It is also contained in:

• soot;
• household dust;
• cigarette smoke;
• industrial fumes.

Thallium oxide, like its other compounds, is distributed evenly throughout the body. It is found in the least amount in the intestines, hair and teeth; it is found in large quantities in adipose tissue, and slightly more in muscles and fats. Thallium hydroxide or in another form in the body should be within 0.1 mg, the rate increases to 0.5 mg with large muscle mass.

What is the toxicogenetics of this type of poisoning?

Acute thallium poisoning can occur due to intentional and accidental ingestion of large portions of metal salts into the body. Metal vapors and dust can cause damage to the respiratory system; damage also occurs through contact with the skin.

The substance is absorbed into the body in various ways: through the skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. It takes one hour for the poison to be completely absorbed. Thallium hydroxide or any other compound poses a serious danger.

Thallium can accumulate in the body

Poisons are easily absorbed into the blood, and most of them settle in the heart muscles, kidneys, salivary glands and liver. Deposits in the brain and fatty tissues are relatively small. The element is excreted mainly through the stomach. The half-life of the poison is about a month.

How does intoxication occur?

Poisoning with thallium salts is dangerous because it can not only disrupt the structure of cells, but also accumulate in it. It is capable of changing the properties of molecules, as it is able to interact with various enedogenic ligands. It can also form bonds with low molecular weight compounds. Accumulating in skin cells, the substance affects them.

Thallium oxide, while in the body, targets the transport systems of biomembranes, the work of enzymes, and structural proteins. Damage also occurs to lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum. The mechanisms of operation of biologically active substances are disrupted.

What are the symptoms?

Thallium poisoning occurs when substances containing more than 1 gram of thallium are consumed. Death occurs when taking a dose of 600 mg. There is a difference in the time frame for the manifestation of symptoms of poisoning, both chronic and acute, but general similar manifestations can also be tracked.

The mechanism of action of thallium on the human body

During the first 3-4 hours, the first symptoms may appear:

• bleeding in the intestines;
• general weakness;
• vomit;
• feeling of nausea.

Over the next 7 days, the nervous system is affected, which manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• blurred vision;
• damage to cranial nerves;
• problems with coordination of movements;
• pain in muscle tissue;
• numbness of the limbs;
• polyneuritis;
• convulsions;
• headache;
• weakness;
• mental disorders.

Thallium hydroxide and other salts also cause disturbances in the functioning of all body systems over time.

1. Kidneys - decreased urination, increased urea levels in the circulatory system, and decreased glomerular filtration.
2. Vision - retinal atrophy occurs.
3. Skin - whitish spots on the nail plate, skin irritation, baldness.
4. Vascular system and heart - increased blood pressure, tachycardia, pain in the heart.
5. Respiratory system - paralysis of the respiratory muscles, pulmonary edema, irritability in the throat.

Symptoms and consequences of thallium poisoning

If you receive a lethal dose of a substance, there is little time left before death. Symptoms appear either at the same time or after a short interval one after another. Bleeding in the intestines, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fever can be accompanied by psychosis, pulmonary edema and even coma. Death occurs within 7-10 days, so you should get medical help immediately after poisoning.

If the poisoning is in the chronic stage, then the symptoms are very vague and may appear in the final stages. Mainly there are disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

• blurred vision;
• muscle weakness;
• alopecia;
• impotence.

How to diagnose?

To obtain information about the presence of thallium in the body, there is no point in using x-rays, since in this case it is invisible; x-rays are used for diagnosis. When this substance enters the body in significant doses, its concentration varies between 300-2000 mcg/l, and excretion per day exceeds 10-20 mcg. Thallium oxide in the body can also be seen using an electroencephalogram, small changes are noticeable, and nerve conduction slows down in peripheral nerves.

Treatment Options

Hemodialysis is one of the methods of treating thallium poisoning

There are several therapeutic procedures used to remove thallium from the body: the use of diethyldithiocarbamate (an antidote), increasing kidney excretion with potassium chloride, hemodialysis, and gastric cleansing. Drinking ipecac syrup and flushing the digestive system should be done within the first 5 hours. An analysis obtained using an x-ray of the abdominal area can show how much the poison has been eliminated.

In the stomach and intestines, thallium is absorbed by Prussian blue, which replaces thallium with potassium in the crystal lattice, so it is not absorbed into the blood. You need to take 250 mg/kg once. Magnesium citrate or mannitol (as laxatives) are used to cleanse the stomach.

Consequences of poisoning and preventive measures

For those working in industries in contact with thallium, certain protective measures must be observed:

• eat well and properly;
• systematically carry out routine examinations in the hospital;
• Do not allow eating or drinking in workplaces;
• Be sure to use protective equipment (specialized shoes and clothing, gloves, respirators).

Thallium oxide in the body in excess of the norm can lead to serious consequences and also disrupt the normal functioning of the body. It is necessary to avoid direct contact with substances that contain thallium hydroxide or other its derivatives.

Intoxication does not have one-time consequences, but more serious ones, because thallium is very toxic. Infertility, a number of congenital defects, impotence, hormonal and mental disorders, chronic diseases of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract may develop. Death is possible from a heart attack or stroke.

Important information about thallium poisoning

To summarize, poisoning with thallium, as a highly toxic element, is very dangerous. You can get poisoned not only in industrial conditions, but also in domestic ones. All systems in the body are destroyed under its influence, especially the nervous and muscular systems.

Treatment must begin immediately. First of all, it is necessary to introduce Prussian blue, an effective antidote. You should also always exercise preventive measures and caution, especially in the workplace.

Video

How severe can thallium poisoning be? You will find the answer to this question by watching the video.